Having Fun with Family!

I wanted to talk today about having fun with your family. Do you know that dogs are truly a human's best friend? Dogs are descended from the gray wolf and we've been domesticated for thousands of years. I'm not sure how many years that could be but it sounds like a lot! Anyway, we dogs are so versatile in being a human's companion. We love to do any and everything a human does, just to be near them.

I've heard of dogs skateboarding and even surfing (in the sea!) and I think they're very brave. But most dogs like more relaxed activities. If you want a brisk walk around the block, we're up for it. If you want to veg out on the sofa and watch mindless television, we're up for it, too.

I'm going to share some of the lovely activities I do with my Foster Family, and maybe you'll get some ideas of how much fun you can have with your family (if you're a dog reading this) or your dog (if you're a human reading this!).

Going to the beach. I love the beach, even in cold weather, but walking along with Foster Mommy Suzy is about my speed.

Here's me checking out those big waves!


Then going for a walk around the neighborhood is just the best fun in the world!

Luckily Foster Daddy Robert loves walking and we're always eager to go with!





Helping in the kitchen is no problem at all. We dogs are always keen to volunteer our services as Tasters of the Meal.

This is me in the kitchen over Thanksgiving, just checking the pumpkin is fine. It was delicious!




 
Then, if you have chickens like we do, humans always like it if you help then find the eggs. I've had a few accidents with eggs. They seem to break easily.

Aren't chickens clever?


We love being around barbeques or any kind of outdoor activities involving food. Of course, it's a complete mystery why human have evolved to living in houses and cooking food comfortably on the stove; but they seem to like going outside and making a fire and doing it the primitive way. Oh, well, there's no accounting for taste...


See? They like lighting fires outdoors.

On to more sedentary activities. If you want to sit by the fire, indoors this time, you'll find your dog will love doing this with you.

Me by the fire, indoors this time!

Foster Mommy Suzy likes making things. I think lots of humans enjoy this, too. They use long sticks and sometimes call it Knitting, and sometimes call it Crocheting. This is the perfect opportunity to settle down with your Special Person, and show them how much you're helping with their activity.

You can see how helpful I am being by lying on the Knitting to keep it from falling to the floor.


Then sometimes you can help with paperwork, especially if there are young people in the house that go to school or college. They always have lots of paper around. This is a fantastic opportunity to help them dispose of the pesky paperwork...


This looks like an awful amount of homework. Would you like me to eat it for you?







But then, at the end of a long and fruitful day, filled with fun activities, there's nothing like curling up in bed with your Special Person and being a lovely little hot water bottle for them. Humans really appreciate it.




G'night, all! Sweet dreams...

Remember, there are zillions of ways you can keep your Special Person company and help them enjoy their activities even more. If you have cute pictures of yourself doing interesting activities, please send them to me for my blog. I love sharing.

Me and My Friend Shady

Today I was thinking about introducing my friends to someone special that lives with all us animals at Foster Mommy Suzy's house. Well, Shady is a rabbit so he has his own comfy house in the back garden. He has the Chicken Ladies to talk to every day, lovely scenery to enjoy, and of course I chat to him all the time.

 

Shady is also a rescue from the Camarillo shelter and is missing a piece of his lower lip. Shady also appears in the short story in my book where he gives some advice. Shady is special because he is special like all animals, but when I first came to Foster Mommy Suzy's home to get better, Shady was helpful and encouraging. Here's a pic of me below, when  I first arrived, just thinking about going outside.

 

I was almost too scared to go outside...

 

Now here's a pic of me talking to the Chicken Ladies (also my friends and very clever birds). I was still very skinny.

"Is that a dog?" squawks Miss Henrietta.

 

Then there's my first chat with Shady. I'm wearing a coat because the sores on my body hadn't healed properly. Now I know what you are thinking ... where's the rabbit? Shady is very shy and he doesn't really like the camera.

 

Here's me today, all healed, having a chin wag with my long-eared buddy! This time you can see Shady in the left side of his hutch. My fur has grown back and I am healthy. Thank you to all my friends who helped me back on the path to being the doggie I am today. I love them! Remember, a friend in need is a friend indeed. Be a friend indeed to all helpless animals in need and they will reward you with all the love in the world. Who could ask for anything better?

Big woofs and tail wags! Please share your rescue stories with me. I love to talk about 'happy endings' stories on my blog and in my Tweets.

Why We Dogs Love Toys

This isn't actually mine and oops, I think I broke it!

Today I thought I'd talk a little bit about why we dogs love toys. I got lots of toys for Christmas (lucky me) and I think humans should know just why we like lots of different toys. I mean, humans have lots of different things too, like toys, and shoes, and clothes and stuff. Dogs are the same. We also like variety.

 Playing is an important part of a dog’s life. It keeps them mentally active and alert. Chewing is part of their entertainment.  A dog toy is a toy that is specifically for dogs to play with. Dog toys come in many varieties, including dog bones, puppy toys, balls, tug toys, training aids, squeaky toys, discs and Frisbees, plush toys, and sticks. Here's a picture of me having fun.

Dog toys serve different purposes. Puppies, for instance, need toys they can chew on when they are teething because their gums and jaws become very sore and chewing on things provides them relief. Also, playing with different toys encourages exercise, which benefits the pet's overall health. Toys also stimulate dogs' minds, discourage problem behavior resulting from boredom and excess energy, and promote dental health.

There are a wide variety of dog toys on the market that are designed for different purposes and depending on the dog's characteristics such as size, activity level, chewing habits, and play style.

Distraction toys keep dogs busy. They are useful when people cannot play with their dogs. Some examples are food delivery toys, dental chew toys, Kongs stuffed with treats, Nylabones, chew challenge toys, and puzzle toys.

A dog bone is either a real or toy bone that makes a good dog toy. Some dogs like to bury bones in the yard, so they can dig them up and chew on them later. Other dogs like to carry bones around with them. Dog bones also help getting plaque off of the dog's teeth.

Latex and rubber dog toys are great for dog entertainment. With these toys, dogs that are aggressive chewers have a safe way to satisfy their biting instincts. These toys also help keep dogs' gums and teeth clean and healthy. In general, hard rubber bones and other latex dog toys help improve dogs' overall oral hygiene.

Even though your dog has plenty of toys, don’t forget he needs you to play with him too. It’s great exercise and fun for the both of you. Frisbees, balls, tug toys are all great “my human can play too” toys.

Yes. Dogs really do need toys. Toys keep them happy, occupied and out of trouble.

 

 

Vespa Needs Your Help: Vespa's Voyage!

I just read about a wonderfully brave little dog in South Africa at a shelter called Woodrock Animal Rescue. Vespa's back legs stopped working and she still scoots around (like a little Vespa!) but she's going to need some wheels to have a full and happy life. Please read her story below and remember any donation makes a difference. Disabled animals are not 'broken' animals: they are just different. Their love and loyalty is exactly the same!

With your help, Vespa can get back on track!

Who we are!: Vespa's voyage!: Stella's story. Vespa came into my life  around September of 2013. The day I met her I knew this girl was special. She has this happy bo...

Looking for Fur-Ever Homes: Abby and Buddy

I love all my pals at SAFE Rescue and whenever a doggie comes in needing a Fur-Ever Home, I like to help all I can. Here are two wonderful pooches who would make two new families very happy. California area, but Abby and Buddy don't care where their new owners live.

Rescue of the Week!

SAFE Rescue says: "Abby is still looking for her Fur-Ever Home. She is such a fun and sweet dog.  She’s very shy at first but give her a little time and she's a fun-loving, happy, playful girl. Abby is a 1.5 year old female terrier mix who came to SAFE Animal Rescue with a badly injured back leg. Dr. Slaton was able to save her leg and she is as good as new. Abby is one of our sweetest and most playful dogs ever. She has a lot of puppy energy and loves her walks and time at the dog park. She runs like the wind so you would never even know that she almost lost her leg. If a family is willing to give her time to adjust to her surroundings they will have found such a loyal and loving dog. Loud noises still scare her so she would do best with older children. She is available and waiting for her Fur-Ever Home."



Cute, sweet Abby waiting for a loving new family.

Rehoming for Buddy!

SAFE Rescue says: "If you are looking for a handsome young Collie, Buddy may be the boy for you. He is a one year old neutered white/sable headed collie. Buddy has been obedience trained, loves car rides, is housebroken, walks well on a leash, likes people and other animals and is very smart. He plays well in doggie day care and dog parks. We are rehoming Buddy for his owners. He will do great as an only dog or in a family that is very dog savvy."

Handsome Buddy will make a great buddy!

 

If you would like to meet Abby or Buddy, please email Safeanimalrescue@aol.com. Even if you are not looking for another pet, please pass this message on to someone looking for a lovable 4-pawed friend and companion.

The Joy that Donations Bring

Today I have some amazing news. SAFE Rescue got a whole bunch of fantastic stuff from a wonderful pet company called Nuvet. Look at all the cool stuff that we got!

 SAFE Rescue says: “We'd like to send a great big Thank You to Nuvet and their employees for caring about rescue pets! Today Malia and Robert from Nuvet delivered a truck full of toys, carriers, food, collars, leashes, beds, blankets, bowls and so many other wonderful items for our rescue dogs! We’ll be able to spoil our foster dogs with all of the fun stuff they donated!”

 

Robert and Malia with a wonderful load of goodies for animals in distress!

 

I also add my barks of happiness and lots of tail wags to say thank you. SAFE Rescue saved me and it’s only because loving caring people donate that SAFE Rescue is able to do so much for animals in need. Remember, no donation is too small, and if you have left-over stuff that other animals can use, don’t be shy to help out your nearest animal shelter.

 

Here's Fergie thinking WOW!

 

Check out our kind Aminal Anjils at Nuvet and also have a look at what SAFE Rescue does for rescued animals.

Nani Needs a Home!

Pet Rescue of the Week!

I am so grateful to SAFE Rescue for saving me and making me well again. I feel it’s my duty to help them help as many other dogs as possible. Today my blog is about an adorable little rescued dog called Nani. Nani is still looking for her forever home here in So. Cal. She’s perfect for someone who only wants one dog. She likes to go on walks, throw squeak toys in the air and play with them, but most of all wants to be with her human.

SAFE Rescue says: “Nani is white Poodle/Lhasa Apso mix that we rescued from East Valley Shelter. Her owners surrendered her after they discovered blood in her stool. Turns out she had bladders stones and needed urgent surgery. Three huge stones were removed by Dr. Slaton and she is now good as new. No special diet required either.

We think Nani was an only dog as she wants her human’s lap all to herself. She is approximately 7 years old but has a lot of play left in her. She throws her toys around and catches them before they hit the floor.

We think she would do great with an older person since her favorite thing is to sit on the couch next to you (yes she is a couch potato). She is available and waiting for her forever home.

For more information please contact safeanimalrescue@yahoo.com. Thank you!”

Nani says: "I know I am adorable. Let me show you just how much."

 

I think Nani is the cutest little dog in the world. So, if you know anyone who would love to offer Nani a new Fur-Ever Home, you can contact SAFE Rescue. Please share this post so lots and lots of loving people see it. You never know, someone reading this might be Nani's new guardian.

Champ Reviews Tortoise Soup

Hello everyone,
This is my very first book review as a Pawthor. Phew! I am nervous. Since I became a Pawthor, I realise just how important it is for people to tell other people about books. I mean, how else are they going to know how wonderful a book is unless someone tells

Byron eating a strawberry on New Year's Day

them? That’s why I’m going to tell the world about my friend Byron Tinker’s book, Tortoise Soup. I met Byron on Twitter and, although he is a tortoise, he is still a Pawthor (even though he hasn’t got paws). We swopped books and I just hope he loved my book as much as I did his.

This is what the story is about: Ruby Tinker is an orphan and she lives in St. Therese’s Children’s Home in England, with her pet tortoise Byron. Let me tell you, Byron is one special reptile. He can sing, dance, run fast (for a tortoise) and he makes up poetry as well (he was named after a famous poet). Anyway, Ruby has something wrong with her legs after a car accident when she lost her parents. She tries to be as happy as she can with Byron. They read books together, and tell each other everything, like the bestest friends in the whole world. But the horrible Miss Scratbakk, who runs the children’s home, has a wicked plan. She wants to become very rich. I won’t spoil the plot for you, but her evil plans mean the end of Byron. Ruby’s Uncle Peter comes to fetch her to live with him in Scotland in a Fur-Ever Home. He doesn’t like pets and poor Byron has to stay behind. Ruby is terribly upset. What will happen to Byron? Will he and Ruby ever be reunited?

What I think of the book: Well, I nearly chewed my nails off worrying about Byron. He is a really brave tortoise, and he has incredible adventures. I didn’t think he would survive, especially when he met the snakes in the pet shop. Amazingly enough, so many people helped Byron, as well as other animals. But at the same time, Ruby's new home in Scotland was a long way from the Children's Home in England and when Byron decided to walk there, I thought to myself, “He’ll never make it.” The story is just full of love and friendship, and also bravery and not giving up. I imagined myself right next to Byron as he plodded along, and when he described things, it was as if I could see them as well. I just loved how Ruby did not give up on Byron: she knew he was still alive.

There is lots of wonderful magical stuff that people who love animals will enjoy. I cried a lot reading this book because Byron talked about things that were happy and sad at the same time. If you want adventure and magicality, this is the book for you. You also learn a lot about tortoises, how to care for them, and what they eat. They don’t like corned-beef-and-mustard sandwiches. I must say, I wouldn’t mind a sandwich like that, but hold the mustard please.

Byron lives in the United Kingdom which is a long way from where I live in California. His guardian is Nick Holland, who is also a Pawthor. I think he helped Byron with some big words and spelling. You can follow Byron on Twitter @ByronTinker. You can also buy his book on Amazon, and don’t forget to leave a review. I give it Five Stars!

"There is a Father Christmas!"

Hello everyone,
I have wonderful news. My blind friend Joe has been adopted!!! Isn't that incredible???? You may remember a post or two ago I put up Joe's photo of him sitting on Father Christmas' lap, telling the guy in the red suit that all he wanted was his Fur-Ever Family? Well, you won't believe it (or maybe you will), the Father Christmas that flies around the world and gives toys to children heard him, and guess what!!!!!

Joe making his Christmas Wish for a Fur-Ever Home
 

This is what S.A.F.E. Rescue posted on their site.

"What better way to start the New Year than by being able to announce that JOE HAS BEEN ADOPTED! Thank you to everyone who followed Joe's story. This success story was possible because you all cared enough to support Joe. A co-owner of Doggin' Around day-care in Ventura, CA fell in love with him when he was there. So Joe will get to run and play every day all day long!"

Joe happy coz his dreams have come true!
 

 I'm a little bit sad that I won't see as much of him as before, but hey, his new Fur-Ever Mommy runs a doggy day-care so that's a good excuse for me to have lots and lots of play dates. So, if ever you doubted Father Christmas, or the Anjil for Aminals, stop right now. They do exist and as much as they can they are listening and trying to help. I am so happy I could just bark my head off with joy. Please visit S.A.F.E. Rescue and say how pleased you are as well. If you'd like to make a donation to help the animals still waiting for their Fur-Ever Home, then there is a button to do so.